Question on Christianity, Jesus and Paul....
by Raoul (2019-03-24 10:45:05)
Edited on 2019-03-24 10:45:25

I only recently became aware of the Jefferson Bible. I know it takes out many of the miracles. I believe it also has to do with Jefferson being not a fan of Paul and what he added to the Bible and the Christian religion.

Does anyone know more about Jefferson's Bible and why he didn't like Paul's slant on Christianity? What about it didn't he like? (assuming this is even the proper framing of this Jefferson Bible)

I never had much religion beyond the two Theo classes at ND. So I don't understand the theological underpinnings of trying to exclude Paul's slant on Christianity.

Thanks in advance for any insights.


He had a
by Ballb4all  (2019-03-24 20:31:31)     cannot delete  |  Edit  |  Return to Board  |  Ignore Poster   |   Highlight Poster  |   Reply to Post

Deluxe apartment in the Sky.


Not a Bible at all
by braille  (2019-03-24 11:25:03)     cannot delete  |  Edit  |  Return to Board  |  Ignore Poster   |   Highlight Poster  |   Reply to Post

Jefferson never referred to his “clippings” as a Bible, rather a collection of Jesus’ teachings. As a naturalist, he omitted any references to miracles, resurrection or other supernatural events. No evidence that he censored Paul; his focus was on the life and teachings of Jesus.

Be careful of any teaching (on any topic) that chooses to conveniently exclude the challenging and hard to explain. We pursue knowledge but We live by faith. Without Jesus’ miracles and resurrection He becomes just another guy walking in the desert.


I have not seen the Jefferson Bible but believe the first
by G.K.Chesterton  (2019-03-24 13:51:22)     cannot delete  |  Edit  |  Return to Board  |  Ignore Poster   |   Highlight Poster  |   Reply to Post

paragraph has the correct assessment of Jefferson's focus. He only saw Jesus has a good man. This would be in line with Jefferson's Deist tenancies.


Very generally
by captaineclectic  (2019-03-24 11:01:06)     cannot delete  |  Edit  |  Return to Board  |  Ignore Poster   |   Highlight Poster  |   Reply to Post

Paul is often seen by secular folks who purport to admire the moral teachings of Jesus as having reduced those teachings to a religious doctrine.